Thirty-six pro-Meranda lawmakers in the 40-member house passed a vote of confidence in the new speaker on Monday, February 17, 2025. Mojisola Meranda became emotional as the assembly showed their support for her leadership.
After a tense stand-off between workers at the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex and security officials attempting to enter the chamber, Speaker Meranda finally gained access to her office and presided over the plenary session. Lawmakers and assembly workers formed a protective barrier around her as she entered the chamber.
Amid the drama, lawmakers chanted their solidarity with Meranda, expressing their desire for her to continue as House Speaker. The assembly premises saw a heavy security presence, with numerous officials and operational vans stationed outside during the incident.
Thirty-six pro-Meranda lawmakers in the 40-member house passed a vote of confidence in the new speaker, asserting that attempts to force her resignation in favor of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa will not succeed. Meranda became emotional as the lawmakers expressed their support and subsequently adjourned plenary indefinitely.
The ongoing leadership crisis has led to a dispute between the Department of State Services (DSS) and the assembly regarding the presence of secret policemen in the House. While the DSS claims its operatives were invited, the assembly has denied making such a request.
In related news, the Police Service Commission has appointed Olohundare Moshood Jimoh as the new Commissioner of Police for Lagos. Although the commission did not specify the reasons for this appointment, observers suggest it may be linked to the ongoing leadership turmoil within the assembly.
Obasa was removed as Lagos Speaker on January 13, 2025, when more than two-thirds of the 40-member legislative house voted him out over allegations of misconduct and other offenses.
Obasa’s then deputy, Meranda, was immediately elected the new Speaker, becoming the first female to take charge of the legislative body in the South-West state.
On January 25, 2025, Obasa stated that he still considered himself the Speaker until proper procedures were followed, criticizing the heavy security presence during the impeachment process. He claimed that his removal occurred while he was out of the country.
In contrast, 32 lawmakers loyal to Meranda asserted that Obasa’s removal was final and confirmed that Meranda remained the Speaker of the House.
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